HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

Blood Cancer: Key Facts

MEDICAL NEWS

Your blood is made up of many different types of cells. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells protect the body from harmful substances and prevent infections.

Blood cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells do not work properly, preventing them from carrying out their essential functions. As the dysfunctional cells accumulate in the blood, they crowd out healthy cells.

It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about blood cancer.

Three main types of blood cancer

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer that affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made. From the bone marrow, it spreads to the blood and can affect other organs.

Lymphoma

This type of blood cancer impacts the white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin, which spreads directly from one lymph node to another, and Non-Hodgkin, which spreads erratically through the lymph nodes.

Multiple myeloma

Myeloma affects plasma cells. These are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. When the plasma cells don’t function correctly, the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly.

Symptoms of blood cancer

Talk to your doctor if you experience the following:

* Fatigue

* Fever

* Unexplained weight loss

* Bone pain

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Frequent infections

Survival rates have steadily increased

Fifty years ago, there were few successful treatments for blood cancer. Now, there is a range of treatment options available, and more people achieve remission than ever before. Early detection and improved treatments have increased five-year survival rates and provide hope for the future.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Benefits Of Stretching

BE FIT

When most people think of exercise they envision cardio or weight training. But, no workout routine is complete without stretching. Here are six unique benefits.

Improve flexibility

Flexibility is a well-known benefit of stretching. To increase your range of motion, hold each stretch for 90 seconds.

Prevent injury

Stretching increases blood flow to joints and muscles, decreasing stiffness and reducing the risk of injury.

Decrease tension

Stretching releases tension in your muscles, but it can also release mental tension if you take time to be still and breathe.

Calm the mind

Unlike vigorous exercise which pumps you up, the slow pace of stretching can be soothing for your mind.

Counteract the effects of sitting

If you are one of the many people who spend a lot of time sitting, stretching is essential to keep the body limber.

Promotes mindfulness

Stretching provides the chance to notice how your body feels, an essential aspect of mindfulness.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Kind To Your Voice

WORK LIFE

Your voice is unique to you. You probably use it every day for work. But do you give it the TLC it needs to stay healthy and clear?

Do you have a job where you use your voice often?

Attorneys, teachers, sales people, human resources and customer service rely heavily on their voice for work.

If you need your voice for work, avoid misusing it. If you misuse it, you may lose it!

You can overuse or misuse your voice by talking in a large meeting room or noisy place by shouting or talking for long periods. You may have a sore throat or hoarseness afterward.

Prepare your voice for long talks or loud meetings.

Before a presentation or meeting, get plenty of rest. Drink water before, during and after your meeting. Use throat lozenges if needed. Use a microphone to help you avoid shouting.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bone Broth:Worth The Hype?

HEALTHY EATING

People have been cooking bones to make bone broth for thousands of years.

Today, this age-old recipe is being promoted as a superfood. But, do these health claims hold water? Here are three main points to keep in mind:

1. Homemade bone broth usually contains more protein than store-bought broth.

2. You can make your broth healthier by adding vegetables and herbs – and skipping the salt.

3. Currently, there is no solid evidence that bone broth has any additional or special medicinal properties, but research is ongoing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Kind To Yourself

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

We live in a hectic and complicated world, that can be difficult to navigate. Nobody is perfect, yet you may feel like you must strive to measure up to impossible standards. Or, you may struggle to accept mistakes and failures in your life. But you can overcome this by practicing self-compassion.

Self-compassion means learning to be kind and understanding to yourself. It may take time, but with practice, you can learn to accept yourself for exactly who you are, even your imperfections.

The Path of Self-compassion

Step 1: Focus on Self-kindness.If you tend to criticize yourself or be overcome with feelings of shame, learn how to become aware of these thoughts without pushing them away. Consider how these thoughts make you feel. Write down these feelings.

Step 2: Acknowledge Common Humanity.Although we may feel isolated and alone in our failures, the reality is that many human beings share similar experiences. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone and there are others who understand you and your circumstances. Allow others to show you compassion.

Step 3: Practice Mindful Awareness.Once you become comfortable with your negative thoughts, learn how to sit and observe them. To do this, you must be fully present in the moment, and allow any thoughts to pass through your mind without judging them. This can help those who often dwell on past events or worry about future events. Being present helps you focus on what is happening now.

Health benefits

Regularly practicing self-compassion can help you feel:

* Less depressed, stressed or anxious

* More satisfied with a greater sense of purpose

* Less worried and fearful

Breath awareness practice

Sit comfortably with your feet planted firmly on the floor. Lengthen your spine, allowing it to stretch out like a string of pearls. For the next two minutes, turn all of your awareness to your breathing. Do not change how you breathe. Just pay attention to how it feels to breathe in and breathe out and to the pauses between your breaths. If your attention moves away from your breathing, be gentle with yourself and just return your attention to your breath.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Beating Jet Lag

SELF-CARE CORNER

Summer travel plans may take you to places across the globe. While this can be exciting, switching to a different time zone can take a toll on the body.

The body has its own internal clock that tells you when to be awake and when to sleep. This is your circadian rhythm.

If you travel to a different time zone, the clock gets disrupted:

You may be awake when it’s nighttime or want to sleep during the day. This can make you exhausted. Jet lag can also cause:

* Headaches

* Feeling irritable

* Trouble concentrating

* Loss of appetite

* Upset stomach

* Diarrhea

There are some ways to fight jet lag so you can enjoy your trip:

* Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your arrival.

* Avoid alcohol. Some people think a nightcap will help them sleep. But alcohol actually disrupts sleep and makes you more tired.

* Use your travel time wisely. If you’ll be on a plane during the “new” night time, try to rest. Use a sleep mask and ear plugs. Avoid staring at TV screens or other devices.

* Be careful with caffeine. If you must have caffeine, drink it in the new time zone’s morning hours. Avoid it after lunch.

* Get out in the sun. When you get to your destination, go outside if it’s daytime. This will help to tell your body when to be awake.

* Skip naps if possible. Napping could make it harder for you to fall asleep at the correct time. If you take a nap at 6 p.m., you could be awake most of the night.

* Consider melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes to tell you that it’s time for sleep. Taking melatonin at your new bedtime can help you sleep better. It is available over-the-counter, but ask your doctor before trying it.

Source: National Sleep Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Brca Gene For Breast Cancer

MEDICAL NEWS

You may have heard of the BRCA gene for breast cancer. But many people don’t understand what this gene is, or what it really means for breast cancer risk.

What BRCA really means

“BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer.” There are two types: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone has both of these genes. Having them does not mean you will get breast cancer.

In fact, BRCA genes actually help prevent breast cancer. They can stop or slow breast cancer growth.

When BRCA genes aren’t good

In some people however, the BRCA genes don’t work properly. This is called a BRCA gene mutation.

When this happens, the BRCA genes can’t prevent breast cancer. This makes the person more likely to get breast cancer. They may also develop breast cancer at a younger age. Those with BRCA mutations have a higher risk of developing other cancers too, including ovarian and pancreatic.

Up to 65 percent of women with a BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer before age 70. About 45 percent of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70. People who have a mutated BRCA gene may also pass this along to their children.

What to do

Women who have one of the following should talk with a doctor:

* A family history of breast cancer

* History of ovarian cancer

* History of two or more cancers of any type

In some cases, you may need a test to look at the BRCA genes. If the test finds that you have a BRCA mutation, talk with your doctor about next steps. This may include:

* Watching closely for breast cancer signs and getting regular screenings

* Taking certain medicines that can reduce estrogen, which can lower breast cancer risk

* Having a mastectomy, which is surgical removal of the breasts

Screening is key

Even without a BRCA gene mutation, all women should talk with their doctors about breast cancer risk. They should get regular breast cancer screenings. Finding breast cancer early is key. It means you have the best chance for successful treatment.

Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Brown Rice Pilaf

HEALTHY EATING

Brown rice and almonds are both good sources of magnesium. They also offer fiber and protein. This simple side dish can be a meatless main dish, paired with a green salad and some fruit.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups brown rice (rinsed)

3 cups water

¼ cup almonds (chopped)

1 teaspoon parsley (dried)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a rice cooker and cook until the water evaporates, about 30 minutes. You can also cook rice on the stovetop as directed on the package.

2. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Add almonds, parsley, garlic powder and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts: Serving size: 1 cup, 1/4 of recipe. Calories 320; Total Fat 8 g; Saturated Fat 1 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 53 mg; Total Carbohydrate 56 g; Dietary Fiber 5 g; Protein 8 g

Source: What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be More Tech-Savvy

WORK LIFE

Keeping up with the latest technology can be daunting. Being tech-savvy means being proficient in the use of technology, especially computers.

While you may not need to be able to write complex codes, feeling confident and comfortable with modern technology makes you a valuable employee and helps you connect with family and friends. Here are some easy ways to boost your tech-savvy.

Google it

If you don’t know how to use a platform, software, or device, use a search engine like Google. The answer to most questions can be found online if you’re willing to take the time. Be as specific with your search terms as possible to find the best answer.

Search YouTube

A video with step-by-step instructions will get you in the know fast. There are videos out there on most devices, apps, programs, and even video games. Not all videos are equal, so take a few minutes to find one that provides the information you need.

Take a class at the library

Your local library likely offers classes that provide hands-on instruction on many new forms of technology. Plus, you get to learn in a supportive environment with others committed to broadening their horizons.

Troubleshoot

Impatience and frustration are barriers to learning. Take the time to explore new technology with a mindset of curiosity. Slow down and see what you can learn by clicking through menus and using the “help” function.

Learn about cyber security

Anyone who uses modern technology needs to know how to keep their personal information safe online. Password managers, updated software, and email security are some of the most essential tech-savvy tools out there.

Update your technology

While you don’t need to jump on every new gadget or device available, keeping your technology current will naturally keep you up-to-date. Newer technology is more user-friendly and offers a chance to gain new skills.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Smart About Seizures

MEDICAL NEWS

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause a person to have uncontrolled movements. A grand mal seizure or tonic-clonic seizure is the most serious. It usually involves jerking movements, shaking and the inability to talk or communicate.

When it comes to seizures, there are plenty of myths. Knowing the truth about seizures could save someone’s life.

Myth:A person having a seizure could swallow their tongue.

Truth:This is not possible. Never put something in a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure.

Myth:You should hold the person down.

Truth:Do not try to hold or move the person unless they are in immediate danger of getting hurt. You can help get them on the floor and turn on their side. This keeps the person from injuring themselves or falling.

Myth:You should always give mouth-to-mouth or CPR during a seizure.

Truth:People usually start breathing normally after the seizure is over. But if the patient stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, call 911 and begin CPR.

Should you call 911?

Call 911 if:

* The person has never had a seizure before.

* The person stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, or has trouble breathing after the seizure.

* The seizure happened in the water.

* The person is pregnant.

* The person doesn’t wake up after the seizure.

* The person has a health condition like heart disease or diabetes.

* The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

* The person is hurt.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026